DOKK1 is the World’s Best Public Library – DOKK1 in Aarhus has won the international ‘Systematic – Public Library of the Year 2016’ award as the best new public library in the world. This is the first time a Danish library has received this honour. The prize was awarded at the annual meeting of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in Columbus, Ohio.

The library was designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, and the selection was made by an international jury of professionals, including architects and library experts, from a total of four nominated libraries from Australia, the US, and Denmark.

Minister for Culture Berfel Haarder:

”Dokk1 is an unusually successful encounter between two beautiful Danish traditions: On one hand, our cultural ambitions to open up all branches of knowledge to every generation and social class and, on the other hand, our
sense of functional and beautiful design. Dokk1 is an excellent example of how you create visionary and modern architecture that takes into account the library’s many, diverse tasks and digital opportunities. I am very happy about the prize, which is a huge credit to Aarhus.”

Alderman for the Municipality of Aarhus Rabih Azad-Ahmad:

”I am proud and happy that Aarhus’ new public library is garnering international recognition and has now been named the best in the world. Dokk1 has become a unique gathering point and meeting place for knowledge, opinions, and people, and the building attracts tourists and professionals from all over the world. International praise and pats on the back from abroad are always nice, but it means just as much that Dokk1 has become a popular meeting place for Aarhusians.”

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About the Prize:

The ’Systematic – Public Library of the Year’ award is an international library prize that is given to the best new public library in the world. The new library must take into consideration new digital developments, the needs and desires of users, the local culture, and the desire to accommodate a diverse population group with an open and functional architectural expression.

The prize is awarded by the Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces as a part of the Model Programme for Public Libraries with IT company Systematic as sponsor. Therefore the award is named ‘Systematic – Public Library of the Year Award’.

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Source: english.slks.dk